Maximizing power in a photovoltaic distributed power system

ABSTRACT

A power harvesting system including multiple parallel-connected photovoltaic strings, each photovoltaic string includes a series-connection of photovoltaic panels. Multiple voltage-compensation circuits may be connected in series respectively with the photovoltaic strings. The voltage-compensation circuits may be configured to provide respective compensation voltages to the photovoltaic strings to maximize power harvested from the photovoltaic strings. The voltage-compensation circuits may be include respective inputs which may be connected to a source of power and respective outputs which may be connected in series with the photovoltaic strings.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/149,353 filed May 9, 2016, which a Continuation-in-Part (CIP) Application of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/754,059 filed Jan. 30, 2013, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,812,984 on Nov. 7, 2017, which claims priority to United Kingdom Application GB1201499.9, filed Jan. 30, 2012, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Photovoltaic (PV) power devices can be used to improve the performance and to reduce the cost of power generation systems including photovoltaic panels. Photovoltaic power devices can be variously configured. The cost of some power devices may be proportional to the amount of electrical power they process. Thus, significant savings can be realized by designing systems to optimize output power while processing a small portion of the system power.

Accordingly, there is a need for designing power device system with increased efficiency while decreasing the operating costs associated with such as system.

1. Technical Field

The exemplary features presented relate to a photovoltaic power harvesting system including multiple photovoltaic strings and, more particularly to system and method for maximizing power in each photovoltaic string.

2. Description of Related Art

Reference is made to FIG. 1 which shows a photovoltaic power harvesting system 10 according to conventional art. A photovoltaic string 109 includes a series connection of photovoltaic panels 101. Photovoltaic strings 109 may be connected in parallel to give a parallel direct current (DC) power output. The parallel DC power output connects to the input of a direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) inverter 103. The AC power output of inverter 103 connects across an AC load 105. AC load 105 may be an AC load such as an AC motor or may be an electrical power grid.

By way of a simplified numerical example, three strings 109 may be used with an inverter 103. If two strings 109 are equally irradiated such that each string operates with a string voltage of 600 volts (V) and string current of 10 amperes (A); each of the two strings generates (10 A·600 V) 6 kilowatts (kW). It is also assumed that the two equally irradiated strings 109 may be operating at maximum power.

If however, one string 109 is partially shaded or if one or more panels 101 is under performing, there may still be a string voltage of 600V as set by the other two equally irradiated strings 109, however, the string current in the one under performing string 109 may only be only 6 amperes. The under performing string 109 is not operating at maximum power point. For instance, it may be that the under performing string 109 has a maximum power point of 550 volts for a current of 10 amperes. In this situation, the power lost by the under performing string 109 is 1.9 kW (550V·10 A−600V·6 A). The under performing string 109, therefore, produces 3.6 kW (600V·6 A). Overall power harvested from system 10 is, therefore 15.6 kW (3.6 kW+2·6 kW).

Reference is now made to FIG. 2 which shows another power harvesting system 20 according to conventional art, according to international patent application publication WO2010002960. System 20 is directed to reduce power losses compared to the losses of system 10. Each photovoltaic string 109 includes a series connection of photovoltaic panels 101. Each photovoltaic string 109 is connected in parallel to an input of a DC-to-DC converter 205. The output of converter 205 connects to a DC bus 211. The DC voltage generated by photovoltaic string 109 is converted by converter 205 to the voltage of DC bus 211. Each photovoltaic string 109 together with the respective DC-DC converter 205 forms a photovoltaic string module 207. A number of modules 207 with outputs from respective DC-to-DC converters 205 may be connected in parallel to DC bus 211. The parallel combined outputs of modules 207 may be also connected to an input of a direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) inverter 103 via DC bus 211. Inverter 103 converts the combined DC power outputs of modules 207 to an alternating current power at an output of inverter 103. The output of inverter 103 connects to AC load 105.

Still referring to FIG. 2, using the same numerical example as in system 10 (FIG. 1), three modules 207 may be used with inverter 103. Two strings 109 may be equally irradiated such that each string of the two strings operates with a string voltage of 600 volts and string current of 10 amperes. Each of the two strings generates (10 amperes·600 volts) or 6 kilowatts. If the one remaining string 109 is under performing, there may be maximum power point for the under performing string 109 of 550 volts and current of 10 amperes. Each DC-to-DC converter 205 may be configured to maximize power on each respective output to give 600 volts on DC bus 211. The two equally irradiated modules 207 each produce 6 kW (10 amperes·600 volts) and the under performing unit 207 produces 5.5 kW (10 amperes·550 volts). Giving an overall power harvested from system 20 of 17.5 kW. It can be seen that system 20 offers an improvement of 1.9 kW over system 10 in terms of minimized losses and increased power harvested. The improvement has been achieved through multiple DC-DC converters 205 which operate at wattage levels of around 6 kW. The high power DC-DC converters 205 in a power harvesting system may add to the cost of installation and maintenance of the power harvesting system and may present an overall decreased level of reliability for the power harvesting system because DC-DC converters 205 operate at high wattage levels.

The terms “monitoring”, “sensing” and “measuring” are used herein interchangeably.

The terms “power grid” and “mains grid” are used herein interchangeably and refer to a source of alternating current (AC) power provided by a power supply company.

The term “converter” as used herein applies to DC-to-DC converters, AC-to-DC converters, DC-to-AC inverters, buck converters, boost converters, buck-boost converters, full-bridge converters and half-bridge converters or any other circuit for electrical power conversion/inversion known in the art.

The term “DC load” as used herein applies to the DC inputs of converters, batteries, DC motors or DC generators.

The term “AC load” as used herein applies to the AC inputs of converters, transformers, AC motors or AC generators.

SUMMARY

The following summary is a short summary of some of the inventive concepts for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to limit or constrain the concepts and examples in the detailed description. One skilled in the art will recognize other novel combinations and features from the detailed description.

Various power harvesting systems may be provided including multiple parallel-connected photovoltaic strings, each photovoltaic string includes a series-connection of photovoltaic panels. Multiple voltage-compensation circuits may be connected in series respectively with the photovoltaic strings. The voltage-compensation circuits may be configured to provide respective compensation voltages to the photovoltaic strings to maximize power harvested from the photovoltaic strings. The voltage-compensation circuits may include respective inputs which may be connected to a source of power and respective outputs which may be connected in series with the photovoltaic strings. The voltage-compensation circuits may be an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) converter where the source of power is a source of AC power, or a DC-of-DC converter where the source of power is a source of DC power. The source of power may be provided by the power grid.

The power harvesting system may include further, a direct current power output attached to the parallel-connected photovoltaic strings. The voltage-compensation circuits may include source power inputs connected to the direct current power output.

The power harvesting system may also include a direct current power output attached to the parallel-connected photovoltaic strings and an inverter including a DC power input attached to the direct current power output. The inverter preferably includes an AC power output. The inverter may be configured to invert direct current power generated by the parallel-connected photovoltaic strings to alternating current power at the AC power output. The voltage-compensation circuits may include source power inputs from the AC power output.

The power harvesting system may include a central controller operatively attached to the voltage-compensation circuits. The central controller may be adapted to control the compensation voltages by tracking maximum power produced from all the parallel-connected photovoltaic strings. A power sensor may be connected to the direct current power output and the central controller. The power sensor may be adapted to sense power in the direct current power output and report a sensed power to the central controller. The central controller may control the compensation voltages to maximize power from all the parallel-connected photovoltaic strings based on the sensed power.

The voltage-compensation circuits may be optionally configured to provide the compensation voltages in the photovoltaic strings additional to the voltages provided by the series connected photovoltaic panels.

The power harvesting system may also include, multiple sensors operatively connected respectively to the voltage-compensation circuits. The sensors may be adapted to measure a circuit parameter of the photovoltaic strings. The voltage-compensation circuits may be adapted to provide the compensation voltages based on the at least one circuit parameter to maximize power in the photovoltaic strings. The circuit parameter may include respective currents flowing in the photovoltaic strings. The at least one circuit parameter may include respective voltages of the photovoltaic strings.

According to features presented there is provided a power harvesting system which includes a photovoltaic string including a series connection of photovoltaic panels and a voltage-compensation circuit connected in series with the photovoltaic string. The voltage-compensation circuit may be configured to provide a compensation voltage to the string to maximize power harvested from the photovoltaic string. The voltage-compensation circuit may include an input connectible to a source of power and an output connectible in series with the photovoltaic string.

The power harvesting system may further include a direct current power output attached to the photovoltaic string. The voltage-compensation circuit includes a DC-to-DC converter having a source power input connected to the direct current power output. The voltage-compensation circuit may have an AC-to-DC converter with an alternating current (AC) source input provided from an AC power source. The AC-to-DC converter also includes a DC output which connects in series with the photovoltaic string. A direct current power output attached to the photovoltaic string and an inverter having a DC inverter input connected to the direct current power output. The AC-to-DC converter may be connectible at the AC source input to either a power grid, or an AC output of the inverter.

According to features presented there is provided a method in a power harvesting system which includes a photovoltaic string. The photovoltaic string may include a series-connection of photovoltaic panels. The method connects in series a voltage-compensation circuit within the photovoltaic string. A circuit parameter may be monitored within the photovoltaic string. A compensation voltage of the voltage-compensation circuit may be configured based on the monitoring. The compensation voltage may be added serially within the photovoltaic string, thereby maximizing the power harvested from the photovoltaic string. A DC load may be attached to the photovoltaic string. An input of the voltage-compensation circuit may be connected to either a source of AC power or a source of DC power. The circuit parameter may include a current produced by the photovoltaic string, a voltage across the photovoltaic string or the power produced by the photovoltaic string.

Embodiments herein may employ photovoltaic power systems including power voltage-compensation devices, which may be referred to as power balancing devices, to allow efficient power optimization for the systems without incurring excessive costs.

In some embodiments, PV power devices may be included in photovoltaic system design to increase the system power output.

In some embodiments, a single device can be used to maximize the output of a single photovoltaic panel. In some embodiments a single device can be used to optimize the joint output of two or more photovoltaic panels or the output of an entire photovoltaic string.

In exemplary systems, a power device including a voltage-compensation circuit may be utilized to reduce the cost and to improve the output of the system. For example, in the event of a system comprising parallel-connected photovoltaic strings, a power voltage-compensation circuit may be included in each string to obtain a common output voltage level. This may allow a photovoltaic string to increase the power drawn from the string's photovoltaic modules by operating the modules at or close to a maximum-power string voltage, while the compensation circuit corrects inter-string voltage mismatch, allowing parallel coupling of strings. The power device may receive input power from an external source (e.g. AC power generator, DC power generator, wind turbine, battery, fuel cell, etc.) and/or from the photovoltaic system being optimized, and in some embodiments the power device may output a positive or negative voltage level. It might not be necessary to process the entire string voltage or power to match strings; a small portion of the string voltage or power may be converted by the compensation circuit to match string voltages.

In some embodiments, multiple power devices may be featured in one or more or all of the photovoltaic string(s), each power device optimizing the joint output of more or more photovoltaic modules (e.g. PV cells, PV panels). The output power of an optimized photovoltaic string may be substantially higher than that of an unoptimized string. In some embodiments, the power device may include a suitable circuit, such as a direct current to direct current (DC/DC) converter, an alternating current to direct current (AC/DC) converter, a direct current to alternating current (DC/AC) converter, and/or a polarity adjustment circuit such as a full bridge including switches (e.g. MOSFET switches). In some embodiments, one or more of these circuits may be variously configured in operation. In exemplary embodiments where the circuit includes a power converter, the power converter topology may galvanically isolate the input from the output. The power device may be or may include an optimization circuit that may include a controller configured for and/or based on Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT).

In exemplary photovoltaic systems, the optimization circuits may measure and/or monitor various system and/or circuit parameters. In some embodiments, these measurements may serve for detecting faults or suboptimal system operation, so that corrective safety or operational steps may be taken. In other embodiments, a user interface may be updated to reflect the current state of operation. In some embodiments, the data may be transmitted to computational systems where the data may be collected and processed for further analysis.

In some embodiments, because the cost and size of optimization circuits may be proportional to the power they process, it may be desirable to limit the power input to a power device. For example, in some embodiments a portion of the power of a photovoltaic string might be input to a device. In other embodiments, power may be input to an optimization circuit from an external, limited, power source. In some of these embodiments, the external power source may be an alternating current (AC) power source, and in other embodiments the external power source may be a direct current (DC) power source.

In additional embodiments, the power devices may be embedded directly in photovoltaic modules. Photovoltaic modules may include integrated electronics configured to process at least a portion of the photovoltaic power to allow serial and/or parallel coupling of the modules, allowing for maximum power extraction while matching the current and/or voltage outputs.

In some embodiments, conductors may be used to couple power devices to one another during manufacturing to form a chain of power devices, which may then be packaged and sold as a single unit. The chain may be deployed by coupling the power devices in the chain to photovoltaic panels. The coupling of power devices at the time of manufacturing may reduce costs and enable compact storage of the devices, and the easy deployment may reduce installation time.

In the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, photovoltaic modules are used to exemplify energy sources which may make use of the novel features disclosed. In some embodiments, the energy sources may include batteries, wind or hydroelectric turbines, fuel cells or other energy sources in addition to or instead of photovoltaic modules. The power processing methods and other techniques disclosed herein may be applied to alternative energy sources such as those listed above, and the nearly exclusive mentioning of photovoltaic modules as energy sources is for exemplary purposes only and not intended to be limiting in this respect.

As such, one or more aspects of the disclosure provide for a system that may include one or more photovoltaic strings, each string comprising: a plurality of serially-connected photovoltaic modules; and a voltage compensation device coupled in series with the plurality of photovoltaic modules and configured to convert input power to a direct-current output. The system may also include a controller configured to control power output by the one or more photovoltaic strings by controlling a voltage output by the voltage compensation device.

One or more aspects of the discourse provide for a method that may include monitoring one or more parameters associated with a photovoltaic string of photovoltaic modules; receiving, by a power device, an input voltage and an input current from one or more of the photovoltaic modules; coupling, in series, outputs of the power device to the photovoltaic string; and configuring, based on the monitored one or more parameters, the power device to output an output voltage to operate the photovoltaic string at a desired operating point.

One or more aspects of the disclosure provide for a system that may include a plurality of photovoltaic modules; and a plurality of photovoltaic power devices, wherein one or more of the plurality of photovoltaic power devices is configured to receive input power at an input from at least one of the photovoltaic modules and is configured to output power from an output based on predetermined criteria, and wherein the input is directly connected to the output.

One or more aspects of the disclosure provide for a method that may include coupling inputs of a power converter to a photovoltaic module; connecting a first input of the inputs of the power converter to an output of the power converter via a conductor; and dividing a current output by the photovoltaic module into: a first portion that flows into the first input, and a second portion that flows directly from the first input to the output via the conductor.

As noted above, this summary is merely a summary of some of the features described herein. It is not exhaustive, and it is not to be a limitation on the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with regard to the following description, claims, and drawings. The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not limited by, the accompanying figures. A more complete understanding of the present disclosure and the advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description in consideration of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features.

FIG. 1 shows a photovoltaic power harvesting system according to conventional art.

FIG. 2 shows another photovoltaic power harvesting system according to conventional art.

FIG. 3a shows a power harvesting system according to a feature of the present invention.

FIG. 3b shows a power harvesting system according to another feature of the present invention.

FIG. 3c shows more details of a voltage-compensation circuit shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b , according to a feature of the present invention.

FIG. 3d shows an implementation of a voltage-compensation circuit shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b , according to another feature of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a method applied to the power harvesting systems shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b , according to a feature of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a part schematic, part block-diagram of an exemplary power system according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIGS. 6A-6B depict schematic diagrams of exemplary isolated power converters featured in some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 7 depicts a part schematic, part block-diagram of a compensation circuit according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 depicts a part schematic, part block-diagram of a compensation circuit according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 depicts a part schematic, part block-diagram of an exemplary power system according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 10 depicts a part schematic, part block-diagram of an exemplary power system according to exemplary embodiments.

FIGS. 11A-11B depict part schematic, part block-diagram illustrations of current flow through an exemplary compensation circuit according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 12 depicts a part schematic, part block-diagram of an exemplary power system according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 13 depicts a part schematic, part block-diagram of an integrated solar block according to some exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 14 depicts a part schematic, part block-diagram of an exemplary power device according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 15 depicts a part schematic, part block-diagram of an exemplary power device according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 16 depicts an illustrative diagram showing storage of exemplary power devices according to exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of various illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, various embodiments in which aspects of the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It should be noted, that although the discussion herein relates primarily to photovoltaic systems, the present invention may, by non-limiting example, alternatively be configured using other distributed power systems including (but not limited to) wind turbines, hydro turbines, fuel cells, storage systems such as battery, super-conducting flywheel, and capacitors, and mechanical devices including conventional and variable speed diesel engines, Stirling engines, gas turbines, and micro-turbines.

By way of introduction, features of the present invention are directed towards maximizing output power from under-performing or partially shaded photovoltaic strings in a power harvesting system of parallel connected photovoltaic strings. The features may provide maximal overall power output of the system and reduced installation and maintenance cost of the system. The features may also provide increased reliability of the system, owing to lower power operating levels of switching converters added to each of the photovoltaic string compared with DC-DC converters 205 used in conventional system 20.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3a which shows a power harvesting system 30 a according to a feature of the present invention. A number of photovoltaic panels 101 are connected in series to form a photovoltaic string 109. String 109 is connected in series with a voltage-compensation circuit 307 to provide a compensated string 315. A source voltage (V_(S)) may be input to voltage-compensation circuit 307. A number of compensated strings 315 may be connected together in parallel to give direct current (DC) power output 211. A power sensor 370 operatively connected to central controller 313 measures the power on DC output 211. DC power output 211 is connected to an input of a DC to alternating current (AC) inverter 103. Inverter 103 converts the combined DC power output 211 of strings 315 to an alternating current power at an output of inverter 103. The output of inverter 103 connects to AC load 105. A central controller 313 may be operatively attached to each voltage-compensation circuit 307 by bi-directional control and communication lines as shown, by wireless communication or by power line communications in DC bus 211. Central controller 313 may include a microprocessor with on-board memory and an interface which may include analogue to digital converters (ADCs) and digital to analogue converters (DACs).

Reference is now made to FIG. 3b which shows a power harvesting system 30 b according to another feature of the present invention. String 109 is connected in series with voltage-compensation circuit 307 to provide a compensated string 315. A source voltage (V_(S)) may be input to voltage-compensation circuit 307. A number of compensated strings 315 may be connected together in parallel to give direct current (DC) power output 211. DC power output 211 is connected to an input of a DC to alternating current (AC) inverter 103. Inverter 103 converts the combined DC power output 211 of strings 315 to an alternating current power at an output of inverter 103. The output of inverter 103 connects to AC load 105. System 30 a is the same as system 30 b except that system 30 b does not have central controller 313. Instead, monitoring and control in system 30 b is performed by each circuit 307, which may include a microprocessor with on-board memory and an interface which may include analogue to digital converters (ADCs) and digital to analogue converters (DACs). Each circuit 307 is operatively attached to sensors 320, 322 and 324. Sensors 320 and 322 may be adapted to sense the voltage across photovoltaic string 109 as well as current in string 109. Alternatively, sensors 320 and 324 may be adapted to sense the voltage across a compensated string 315 and current in string 315. Alternatively, sensors 324 and 322 may be adapted to sense the voltage (V_(C)) across a circuit 307 as well as current through the circuit 307.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3c which shows more details of voltage-compensation circuit 307 shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b , according to a feature of the present invention. Voltage-compensation circuit 307 may be implemented using a direct current (DC) to DC converter 307 a. DC-to-DC converter 307 a may be a buck circuit, a boost circuit, a buck+boost circuit or switched-mode power supply (SMPS). The output of DC-to-DC converter 307 is connected in series within string 315 to add compensation voltage (V_(C)) to string 315. The DC source voltage input (V_(S)) to DC-to DC converter 307 may be provided from the combined DC output of strings 315, or strings 109. Alternatively, DC source voltage input (V_(S)) may be provided by a micro-inverter converting AC from the mains grid or another independent source of DC power such as a battery or DC generator. Circuit 307 as shown in FIG. 3c , is a conventional buck-boost DC-to-DC converter circuit which has an input voltage V_(S) with an input capacitor C₁ connected in parallel across V_(S). Two switches may be implemented as field effect transistors (FET) with integral diodes: a high side buck switch Q₁ and a low side buck switch Q₂ connected in series by connecting the source of Q₁ to the drain of Q₂. The drain of Q₁ and the source of Q₂ may be connected parallel across the input capacitor C₁. A node A is formed between switches Q₁ and Q₂ to which one end of an inductor L is connected. The other end of inductor L is connected to the boost circuit of buck-boost DC-to-DC converter 307 at a node B. Node B connects two switches implemented as field effect transistors (FET): a high side boost switch Q₄ and a low side boost switch Q₃ together in series where the source of Q₄ connects to the drain of Q₃ to form node B. The drain of Q₄ and the source of Q₃ connect across an output capacitor C₂ to produce the output voltage V_(C) of buck-boost DC-to-DC converter 307.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3d which shows an implementation of circuit 307 shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b , according to another feature of the present invention. Voltage compensation circuit 307 may be implemented using an alternating current (AC) to DC inverter. The AC to DC inverter 307 b may be a type of switched mode power supply (SMPS). When voltage-compensation circuit 307 is an AC to DC converter 307 b, the DC output of the AC to DC converter is connected in series within a string 315. The AC input (V_(s)) to the AC to DC converter may be provided from the mains grid, from the AC output of inverter 103 or by another independent source of AC power.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4 which shows a method 400 which may be applied to power harvesting system 30 b shown in FIG. 3b , according to a feature of the present invention. In step 402, an output voltage (V_(C)) of circuit 307 is wired in series with a series-connection of panels 101 to form compensated string 315. The input voltage (V_(S)) to circuit 307 may be from direct current (DC) output 211, the alternating current (AC) output of inverter 103 or a separate independent AC or DC electric supply. Several compensated strings 315 outputs may then be connected in parallel and further connected to the input of an inverter 103 as shown in FIG. 3 b.

In step 404, a circuit parameter of each parallel connected string 315 is monitored in the case of system 30 b. The circuit parameter may be the current flowing in a string 315, the voltage across a string 315, the voltage of a photovoltaic string 109 and/or the voltage (V_(C)) across a circuit 307. The current and voltages in a string 315 may be used to determine the power (P) in a string 315 or a photovoltaic string 109 by virtue of power being equal to voltage (V) multiplied by current (I).

In decision block 406, a control algorithm stored in a circuit 307 adjusts compensation voltage V_(C) to maximize output power of string 315. In step 408, a compensation voltage V_(c) for strings 315 is configured based on the result of the control algorithm performed in steps 404 and 406. The compensation voltage V_(c) for strings 315 in step 408 may be a positive or a negative voltage polarity with respect to the voltage polarity of a string 109. In step 410, the compensation voltage V_(c) is added to string 315. In the case of the positive voltage for V_(c), the voltage of a string 315 may be increased in step 408. In the case of the negative voltage for V_(c), the voltage of string 315 may be decreased in step 408.

Reference is still being made to FIG. 4. Method 400 may also be applied to system 30 a (FIG. 3a ) which uses central controller 313. In the case of system 30 a, in step 404 central controller monitors or calculates a net total power from system 30 a. The net total power from system 30 a is equal to the power produced by strings 109 subtracted from the power added by compensation circuits 307.

When the voltage (V_(S)) and hence power to the input of circuit 307 is derived from DC bus 211 or the output of inverter 103 to give compensated voltage (V_(C)). The net total power from system 30 a may be derived directly by monitoring (step 404) power on DC bus 211.

When the voltage (V_(S)) and hence power to the input of circuit 307 is derived from an independent DC source or AC source such as a mains supply to give compensated voltage (V_(C)). The net total power from system 30 a may be derived by subtracting power monitored on DC Bus 211 (step 404) from the power added by compensation circuits 307.

In decision block 406, compensation voltages V_(c) of all strings 315 may be adjusted to maximize the net total power from system 30 a. In step 408, a compensation voltage V_(c) for a string 315 is configured based on the result of the control algorithm performed in steps 404 and 406. In step 410, the compensation voltage V_(c) is added to a string 315.

During a sustained use of systems 30 a or 30 b over a period of time, the number and type of serial connected panels 101 in a string 315 may change, some panels may become faulty and/or operate in a current bypass mode or panels may be replaced with ones that have different electrical characteristics. Under these circumstances, the control algorithm maintains strings 315 at their maximum power point (MPP) by adding compensation voltage to each string 315 to maintain maximum power from each string 315. When all strings 109 are found to be operating at maximum power output level and maximum power point, no voltage compensation V_(c) may be required and voltage compensation V_(c) added to string 315 is at or near zero volts.

With respect to both systems 30 a and 30 b. In each iteration of the control algorithm performed in steps 404 and 406, it may be possible to subtract from all the compensation voltages (V_(c)) in each string 315, the minimum compensation voltage V_(c). Subtracting the minimum compensation voltage V_(c), may prevent a drift in the compensation voltages (V_(c)) going too high for no reason. Alternatively, it may be possible to tie the compensation voltages (V_(c)) to a level that will optimize the overall voltage of strings 315 to be optimal for the input of inverter 103, thereby increasing the conversion efficiency of inverter 103.

The present features with respect to method 400 and systems 30 a or 30 b, may be compared to conventional system 20 (FIG. 2) by way of the same numerical example, where three compensated strings 315 are used. It may be assumed just for the purpose of the numerical example that the three compensated strings 315 are compensated by circuit 307 which may be an AC to DC converter powered from the grid. Therefore, circuit 307 receives and converts voltage (V_(S)) and hence power from the electrical grid. If two strings 109 are equally irradiated such that each string operates with a string 109 voltage of 600 volts and string current of 10 amperes, each of the two strings generates (10 amperes·600 volts) 6 kilowatts. If one under-performing string 109 is partially shaded or if a panel 101 is removed or bypassed, there may be a string voltage of 550 Volts and current of 10 amperes, which means (10 amperes·550 volts) 5.5 kilowatts may be generated by the under-performing string 109. The maximum power 5.5 kilowatts may be generated by the under-performing string 109 only if the under-performing string 109 can be operated at maximum power point (MPP).

Voltage-compensation circuit 307 of the under-performing string 109 may be configured (step 408) by controller 313 to add 50 volts (V_(C)) in series with under-performing string 109 while maintaining the current of 10 amperes (step 410). Adding 50 volts by use of voltage-compensation circuit 307, maintains string 315 voltage at 600 volts also for under-performing string 109. Increasing the voltage of the string 315, allows the one under-performing string 109 to operate at MPP and also requires an extra (10 amperes·50 volts) 500 Watts when compared to the 6 kilowatts in each of the other two strings 315. The overall power output of system 30 a or 30 b is 18 kilowatts, from two strings 109 providing 12 kilowatts (2·6 kilowatts), the under-performing compensated string 109 providing 5.5 kilowatts and the grid providing 500 watts (50 volts·10 amperes) via circuit 307. The power provided from the 3 strings 315 may be therefore, the same as system 20 at 17.5 kilowatts (2·6 kilowatts+5.5 kilowatts).

The benefit of systems 30 compared with system 20 is that 500 W-1 kW switching converters 307 may be required compared with 6-10 kW switching converters used in system 20. The difference in power rating may represent a huge improvement in cost and reliability of systems 30 compared with system 20.

Referring still to FIG. 4, the method 400 and/or one or more steps set forth in the method 400 may be performed by and/or for any of the systems devices, and/or components discussed herein, such as described in relation to FIGS. 1-3 and to FIGS. 5-16, which are described below in greater detail.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which depicts a photovoltaic installation according to exemplary embodiments. Optimized photovoltaic power system 100 may be variously configured. In one embodiment, the photovoltaic power system may comprise a plurality of parallel-connected photovoltaic strings 316 (e.g. 316 a, 316 n etc.). A photovoltaic string 316 may include a plurality of series-connected photovoltaic panels 101 (e.g. solar cells, solar panels), which may be referred to as photovoltaic (PV) modules 101. According to some aspects, other types of power sources may be used, such as batteries, storage devices, power producing device, and the like. According to some aspects, a string 316 may be or may be similar to the string 315. According to some embodiments, due to the strings having different locations, each string (and the modules within a string) may receive a different amount of sunlight, which may cause one string to produce a different amount of power from another string. Furthermore, the serial connection between the modules within each string may lead to each string having a different voltage between the two ends of the string.

For different strings to be coupled in parallel, one or more or all of the strings in system 100 may be coupled to a string compensation circuit, configured to adapt the string voltage to allow parallel coupling. The input of a compensation circuit 307 (e.g. 307-1, 307-n etc.), sometimes referred to herein as a compensation device 307 or compensator 307, may be coupled to an external power source V_(S) (e.g. Vs_a, Vs_b etc.). In some embodiments, the external power source may be implemented in various ways. For example, the external power source may be an alternating-current (AC) source or a direct-current (DC) source. In some embodiments, power source V_(S) may supply power produced by one or more PV modules in system 100.

Compensator 307 may be configured in various ways. For example, if power source V_(S) outputs AC voltage, compensator 307 may include an AC-to-DC converter. In another example, if power source V_(S) outputs DC voltage, compensator 307 may include a DC-to-DC converter. In some embodiments, compensator 307 may output a positive voltage, allowing the strings comprising system 100 to feature a common voltage equal to or higher than the highest string voltage without use of compensator units. In some embodiments, compensator 307 may include a polarity adjustment circuit, configured to output a DC voltage of either positive or negative polarity, which may allow system 100 to feature a common string voltage of arbitrary magnitude. In this manner, each string 316 may be configured to operate at a voltage level optimal for generating maximum power, with one or more compensators 307 (e.g. 307-1, 307-n) configured to adjust the voltage between the ground bus (or other bus not necessarily at ground) and the DC bus to a uniform value for one or more or all strings in the power system. For example, in string 316 a, the combined voltage of the photovoltaic modules comprising the string (101 a, 101 b . . . 101 m) may be configured to maximize the power output by the modules, with compensator 307-1 increasing or decreasing the total string voltage to match the system common voltage level. Compensator 307 may output a voltage configured to bring the total voltage between the ground and power buses to a desirable operating point, and compensator 307 may output a current which is equal to the string current at the desirable operating point. In some embodiments, the power processed by each compensation circuit may be small compared to the power produced by each string, which may result in a cheap and efficient method of producing maximum power by allowing a string to operate at the string's optimal voltage without requiring electronics rated to process the full-string power. A ground bus (or other bus not necessarily at ground) and DC bus may be coupled to the ends of each PV string, and the ground bus (or other bus not necessarily at ground) and DC bus may be input to inverter 301 or some other device (e.g., storage device, DC/DC power converter, etc.), which may be configured to output AC power to a load, such as a grid, a home, or energy storage devices.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6A, which shows one exemplary implementation of a string compensation circuit/device 307 c, according to some embodiments. A compensation device 307 may include an isolated power converter, such as a Flyback DC-DC converter or a Forward DC/DC converter. For the purpose of this example, a Flyback converter is considered and described, while other types of isolated converters may be used in exemplary embodiments. Flyback converter 213 may feature positive and negative input terminals (Vin+ and Vin−, respectively), and positive and negative output terminals (Vout+ and Vout−, respectively). The inputs may be electrically isolated from the outputs by use of transformer T3 formed by magnetically coupling windings L1 and L2. For this reason, a Flyback converter can be considered an “isolated converter”, i.e. a converter in which the input terminals are electrically isolated from the output terminals. The polarity of the Flyback output voltage may be configured by the polarity of winding L2. If L1 and L2 are wound with the same polarity, the voltage output by the converter will be inverted (i.e. of opposite polarity than the input voltage). If the polarity of winding L1 and the polarity of the winding L2 are different, the output voltage will be non-inverted (i.e. of the same polarity as the input). In converter 213, the windings L1 and L2 have opposite polarities, so converter 213 might not be inverting. Switches Q1 and Q2 (e.g. MOSFETs, etc.) may be switched in a complementary manner (i.e. when Q1 is ON, Q2 is OFF, and vice-versa), and may be used to regulate the output DC voltage. In some embodiments, switch Q2 may be replaced by a diode. The magnitude of the output voltage may depend on the windings ratio between windings L1 and L2, and on the duty cycle of switch Q1. The output voltage magnitude may be higher or lower than the input voltage magnitude. The switching may be controlled by a control unit such as a microprocessor, ASIC, FPGA or similar suitable control device (not explicitly depicted). Capacitors Ci and Co may stabilize the input and output voltages, respectively. Use of an isolated converter may be advantageous because the output voltage may be “floating” with regard to the input voltage, and by coupling the outputs serially with a photovoltaic string, the string voltage can be modified by the converter output without regard for the relative voltage input to the compensation circuit.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6B, which shows an exemplary implementation of a string compensation circuit 307 d/string compensation device 307 d, according to some embodiments. A compensation circuit 307 may include an inverting Flyback converter, such as converter 212. Converter 212 may include the same functional components as those shown in converter 213, operating in the same way, with the difference between converter 213 and 212 being in the polarity of the windings. In converter 212, windings L1 and L2 are of the same polarity, resulting in a reversal of the polarity of the output voltage; the “upper” output terminal is the negative terminal Vout−, and the “lower” output terminal is the positive terminal Vout+.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which depicts one example of a compensation circuit 307, which may be shown as bipolar compensation circuit 307 e, according to an exemplary embodiment. While various examples of compensation circuits 307 may be described and/or referred to herein with respect to a figure or embodiment, any disclosed compensation circuit 307 may be implemented in any disclosed or described example or embodiment. Bipolar compensator 307 e may include an isolated DC/DC converter 620 such as the Flyback converter discussed herein. The bipolar compensator may further include a polarity adjustment circuit such as a plurality of switches Q3, Q4, Q5, Q6 configured in a “full-bridge” topology, and coupled in parallel with the DC/DC converter 620 output. When Q3 and Q6 are ON and Q4, Q5 are OFF, the compensator output voltage may have the magnitude of the DC/DC converter output stage, with the opposite polarity. Switches Q3, Q4, Q5 and Q6 may be controlled by the same controller that controls switches Q1 and Q2, or by a different controller. By enabling a positive or negative output DC voltage, any common DC string voltage may be applied to a plurality of parallel-coupled photovoltaic strings. A bipolar compensation unit can increase a string voltage by outputting a positive DC voltage, or can decrease the string voltage by outputting a negative DC voltage. Compensation circuit 307 e may be coupled to communication devices configured to communicate with one another and/or one or more system management units, such as a master system control device. Communication with other compensators and/or system management units may be useful in some embodiments to synchronize a common string voltage. In some embodiments synchronization might not be necessary, such as where, for example, a common voltage is imposed by an external device or system. In some embodiments, compensator 307 e may include Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) device 398, which may be configured to extract maximum power from a PV module that may be coupled to the power device. In some embodiments, the DC/DC conversion controller may include MPPT functionality. Compensator 307 e may further comprise control device 371, which may be a microprocessor, Digital Signal Processor (DSP), ASIC and/or an FPGA. Control device 371 may control and/or communicate with other elements of compensator 307 e over common bus 390 (or one or more other bus components). In some embodiments, compensator 307 e may include circuitry and/or sensors 380 configured to measure parameters on or near a photovoltaic module and/or compensator components. These parameters may include the voltage and/or current output by the module, the power output by the module, the irradiance received by the module, and/or the temperature on or near the module. In some embodiments, compensator 307 e may include communication device 350, which may be configured to transmit and/or receive data and/or commands from other devices. Communication device 350 may communicate using Power Line Communication (PLC) technology, or wireless technologies such as ZigBee, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular communication or other wireless methods. In some embodiments, compensator 307 e may include safety devices 360 (e.g., fuses, circuit breakers, and/or Residual Current Detectors). Compensator 307 e may further include an auxiliary power circuit 394, which may be configured to supply various voltage and/or current levels to power the various compensator components. The various components of compensator 307 e may communicate and/or share data over common bus 390 (or one or more other bus components).

Reference is now made to FIG. 8, which depicts a bipolar compensation circuit 307 f according to an exemplary embodiment. Bipolar compensator 307 f may include a rectifier circuit 610 coupled (e.g., in parallel) to a polarity adjustment circuit 630. The polarity adjustment circuit 630 may be composed of switches Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 configured in a “full-bridge” arrangement. Rectifier circuit 610 may be configured to convert an AC input to a DC output, and may be implemented using, for example, four diodes in a “rectifying full bridge” arrangement. Bipolar compensator 307 f may receive an AC output from an external power source (e.g., from the power grid or from a DC/AC inverter). Rectifier circuit 610 may further include a DC/DC conversion stage, and may be controlled to output a DC voltage of any magnitude. Switches Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 may be configured to control to polarity of the output DC voltage. When Q1 and Q4 are ON and Q2, Q3 are OFF, the compensator DC output may be positive, and when Q1 and Q4 are OFF and Q2, Q3 are ON, the compensator DC output may be negative. Compensator 307 f may include communication, safety, sensor, MPPT and/or auxiliary power devices similar to the circuits discussed with regard to compensator 307 e, but not explicitly depicted in FIG. 8 for the sake of brevity.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9, which depicts a photovoltaic installation according to exemplary embodiments. Optimized photovoltaic power system 200 may be variously configured. In one embodiment, the photovoltaic power system may comprise a plurality of parallel-connected photovoltaic strings 317 (e.g. 317 a, 317 n etc.). A photovoltaic string 317 may include a plurality of series-connected photovoltaic modules 101 (e.g. solar cells, solar panels). According to some aspects, a string 317 may be or may be similar to the string 315. The parallel string may be coupled between a ground bus (or other bus not necessarily at ground) and a DC bus, with the input of each bus connected to inverter 301, which may be configured to output AC power to the grid, home, or energy storage devices. Due to the strings 317 having different locations, each string 317 (and the modules within a string 317) may receive a different amount of sunlight and produce a different amount of power. Furthermore, the serial connection between the modules within each string 317 may lead to each string having a different voltage between its two ends. For different strings to be coupled in parallel, one or more or all of the strings in system 200 may be coupled to a string compensation circuit, which may be configured to adapt the string voltage to allow parallel coupling. A compensation circuit 307 (e.g. 307-1, 307-n etc.) may receive a DC input from one or more PV modules comprising a PV string. As shown in FIG. 9, each compensator 307 may be coupled to an entire PV string. For example, the negative input (Vin−) of compensator 307-1 may be coupled to the ground bus (or other bus not necessarily at ground), and the positive input (Vin+) may be coupled to the positive output terminal of PV module 101 m, which may be the last module in the serially connected string of modules 101 a . . . 101 m. Compensator 307 may include an isolated DC/DC converter such as one of the Flyback converters depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B. By connecting the positive compensator input Vin+ to one of the outputs via bypass B1 a, two current paths between the compensator input terminal (s) and output terminal(s) may be formed. For example, current may be able to flow from the compensator input directly to the output via bypass B1 a, and current may flow into the compensator at the input terminals, and flow out of the compensator at the outputs after being processed by the compensator. By dividing the string current into multiple portions, the power injected into the inputs of the compensator 307-1 may be significantly reduced, and the cost of implementing may be reduced as well. For instance, if a large voltage (e.g. a full-string voltage) is input to a compensator 307, by directing a small portion of the current to the compensator inputs and a larger portion directly to the output (via a bypass path), the compensator may process a reduced amount of power, and the components needed for realization of the compensator may be correspondingly smaller and cheaper.

Reference is now made to FIG. 10, which depicts a photovoltaic installation according to exemplary embodiments. Optimized photovoltaic power system 300 may comprise a plurality of photovoltaic strings 318 (e.g. 318 a, 318 n etc.) coupled in parallel between ground and DC buses. A ground bus (or other bus not necessarily at ground) and DC bus may be coupled to the ends of each PV string 318, and the ground bus (or other bus not necessarily at ground) and DC bus may be input to inverter 301, which may be configured to output AC power to a load, such as a grid, a home, and/or energy storage devices. One or more of the strings 318 may feature a plurality of serially-connected photovoltaic modules 101 (e.g. 101, 101 b etc.) and a string compensation circuit 307 (e.g. compensator 307-1, 307-n etc.). According to some aspects, a string 318 may be or may be similar to the string 315. The two inputs of a string compensation circuit (e.g. 403-1) may be coupled in parallel to a photovoltaic module (e.g. 101 m), and a portion of the power produced by PV module may be input to the compensator 307. The rest of the power may be transferred directly to the compensator 307 output via a bypass path. The compensation circuit 307 may process the input power and output a voltage to bring to the total string voltage to the desired common voltage between the ground and power buses, while allowing the plurality of series-connected PV modules in the string to operate at a voltage yielding maximum power output. Similarly to other embodiments disclosed herein, processing a portion of the string power may allow components to be smaller and cheaper, and may result in enhanced system efficiency.

Reference is now made to FIG. 11A, which illustrates the current flowing in different branches of a photovoltaic module 101 coupled to a compensator 307 g according to exemplary embodiments. According to some aspects, the module 101 may be part of a string of panels 101, such as shown in other figures discussed herein. In the illustrative exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 11A, a unipolar compensator (e.g., might not include a polarity adjustment circuit) featuring a non-inverting Flyback converter is used. The current-flow analysis is similar for a bipolar compensator such as compensator 307 e, and either a unipolar compensator or a bipolar compensator may be used in exemplary systems and scenarios, such as the systems and scenarios described herein. Unipolar compensator 307 g may include a Flyback converter featuring a pair of input terminals, Vin+ and Vin−, and a pair of output terminals, Vout+ and Vout−. For brevity's sake, additional components that may be featured in the compensator (e.g. communication, safety, control and/or monitoring devices etc. as depicted with regard to compensator 307 e) are not explicitly depicted.

The compensator may include capacitor Ci coupled between the inputs, and capacitor Co coupled between the outputs. Switches Q1 and Q2 (e.g. MOSFETs) may be switched in a complementary manner. Q1 may be coupled between the negative input terminal Vin− and winding L1, while Q2 may be coupled between the negative output terminal Vout− and winding L2. The windings may be magnetically coupled to one another by a magnetic core. PV module 101 may be coupled to the inputs, and may input photovoltaic power to the compensation circuit. When Q1 is ON and Q2 is OFF (illustrated in FIG. 11A with an “X”), winding L1 may draw current from PV module 101 and the discharging capacitor Ci. The module current Ip may be divided into current portion Id which may be input to the compensator may charge L1, and into current portion Is which may bypass the compensator input and may flow through the output terminals, charging capacitor Co while flowing from Vout− to Vout+. Current Is may be the effective string (e.g., string 317 a depicted in FIG. 9) current, and may flow into compensation circuit 307 g via string conductor 631, and may continue to flow from Vout+ via string conductor 631. The power drawn by compensator 307 g during this time is given by V_(ci)·(I_(p)−I_(s)), which may be significantly lower than the power output by module 101, which is given by V_(ci)·I_(p). Since Vout− is coupled to Vin+, the output voltage is given by V_(out+)=V_(in+)+V_(c) _(o) . In other words, if V_(c) _(o) is positive, the output voltage may be higher than the input voltage. If an inverting Flyback is used, the output voltage may be V_(out+)=V_(in+)−V_(c) _(o) , and the output voltage will be lower than the input voltage.

Reference is now made to FIG. 11B, which illustrates the current flowing in different branches of a compensator 307 g when Q1 is OFF (illustrated in FIG. 11B with an “X”) and Q2 is ON. Photovoltaic module 101 may output a current Ip, which is divided into two portions. One portion, Is, bypasses the compensator inputs and flows directly to the negative output terminal Vout− via a bypass path. A second portion, Ici flows into the compensator to charge capacitor Ci. Winding L1 transfers stored energy via a shared magnetic core to winding L2, which discharges the energy by generating current IL2 which flows towards output Vout+. Capacitor Co discharges, adding the capacitor Co's discharge current Ico to IL2 form the string current Is. Similarly to when Q1 is ON and Q2 is OFF, the power input to compensator 307 g may be significantly lower than the power generated by the panel. By using a suitable windings ratio for L1 and L2 and operating switches Q1 and Q2 at an appropriate duty cycle, the charging and discharging of capacitors Ci and Co may be configured to adjust output voltage Vout+ to a value which brings a photovoltaic string voltage to a desired common voltage. For example, if L1 contains n1 windings and L2 contains n2 windings, the output voltage Vout+ can be calculated as:

$V_{{out} +} = {V_{{i\; n} +} + {\left( {V_{{i\; n} +} - V_{{i\; n} -}} \right) \cdot \frac{n_{2}}{n\; 1} \cdot \frac{D}{1 - D}}}$ where D is the duty cycle of switch Q1 and (1-D) is the duty cycle of switch Q2. If an inverting Flyback is used, the output voltage Vout+ can be calculated as:

$V_{{out} +} = {V_{{i\; n} +} - {\left( {V_{{i\; n} +} - V_{{i\; n} -}} \right) \cdot \frac{n_{2}}{n\; 1} \cdot {\frac{D}{1 - D}.}}}$ If the compensator includes a polarity adjustment circuit (e.g., a full-bridge of switches), either output value may be obtained, according to how the polarity adjustment circuit is operated. Appropriate choice of windings ratio and duty-cycle may allow flexible and robust system management, while obtaining high efficiency and low-cost by the compensator processing a portion of the string or PV module output power.

Reference is now made to FIG. 12, which shows an additional exemplary embodiment. Photovoltaic power system 400 may comprise a plurality of photovoltaic strings 319 (e.g. 319 a, 319 n etc.) coupled in parallel between a ground bus (or other bus not necessarily at ground) and a power bus. A photovoltaic string 319 may include a plurality of photovoltaic modules 101 (e.g. 101 a, 101 b, etc.) such as solar cells and/or solar panels. According to some aspects, a string 319 may be or may be similar to the string 315. A plurality of power devices 700 (e.g. 700 a, 700 b, etc.) may be coupled to modules 101 such that each power device 700 may be coupled to one or more modules. A power device 700 may be the compensation circuit 307 discussed herein, may be similar to the compensation circuit 307 discussed herein, and/or may include one or more or all of the compensation circuit 307's components. For example, the power device 700 may be similar to unipolar compensation circuit 307 g or to bipolar compensation circuit 307 e, featuring a Flyback DC/DC converter. In some embodiments, a DC/AC microinverter may be utilized to output an AC voltage, with each microinverter's output coupled in series to generate an AC string voltage of comparable magnitude to grid voltage. In exemplary system 400, the inputs of each power device may be coupled to the outputs of a PV module 101. In some embodiments, multiple modules may be coupled in series and the resultant series coupled to an input of a power device 700. In some embodiments, power devices may be coupled to some or to all of the modules in a string or a system.

Each power device 700 may comprise a power conversion circuit configured to regulate the power drawn from its corresponding PV modules(s), by using techniques such as MPPT, “perturb and observe”, impedance matching, and/or other methods of determining and tracking a maximum power point or a power point close to the maximum power point. The positive input terminal of one or more power device(s) 700 may be coupled to one of the output terminals, allowing current to flow directly to the device output without being processed by the power device, which may potentially result in efficiency advantages as explained herein. For example, if each module 101 in the system is coupled to a power device 700, the majority of each string's current may flow directly from power device inputs to the output with being processed by the device. The device 700 may still process a small portion of the system power, employing power conversion to ensure that each module is working near or at its maximum power point. Each power device 700 may receive a DC power input, and output an appropriate output. In some embodiments, the output may be a DC voltage. Depending on the particular power device used and the control applied to the device, a DC signal greater or smaller than the input voltage may be obtained. In some embodiments (e.g. if power device 700 includes a polarity adjustment circuit allowing the power device 700 to function as a microinverter), each power device 700 may be configured to output an AC signal. In some embodiments, each power device 700 may output a time-varying DC signal such as a rectified sine wave, rectangular, or square wave. Each power device 700 may have one output coupled to the device 700's positive input terminal, and the device 700's other output coupled in series to the photovoltaic string A system power device 710 may be coupled between the ground and power buses. In one example, when one or more power devices 700 output DC power, system power device 710 may include or be an inverter configured to convert a DC input (e.g., input from the one or more power devices 700) to an AC output to a load, such as a home or a grid. In one example, the system power device 710 may be a storage device, such as a battery or capacitor. In one example, the system power device 710 may be a DC/DC converter. In some embodiments, device 710 may include safety, control, communication, monitoring and/or management devices, which may be coupled to one or more of the other components of system 400, such as a power device 700.

While FIG. 12 may depict a system of serially connected PV devices power 700, embodiments may include other connection methods. For example, in some embodiments, a plurality of PV power devices may be coupled in parallel. According to some aspects, this configuration may be functionally and/or electrically equivalent to a system such as system 400, wherein each string is of length one (i.e., each string contains one PV module coupled in parallel to one PV power device, with the power device inputs and outputs configured as in system 400). Some embodiments may be of hybrid serial-parallel nature. For example, an exemplary photovoltaic string may include a plurality of pairs of PV modules, wherein each module in each pair is coupled to a power device in the manner disclosed herein (e.g., each power device may include an isolated converter with one of the converter's inputs coupled to one of the converter's outputs) the power devices are coupled in parallel, and a plurality of such pairs are coupled in series, forming a serial string coupled between the ground and power buses. In some embodiments, additional power sources may be featured, such as batteries, wind turbines, fuel cells, etc. Many additional layouts, which make use of the novel features disclosed herein, may be implemented and are included in one or more exemplary embodiments.

Reference is now made to FIG. 13, which illustrates an integrated block 50, which may be part of a PV system, according to exemplary embodiments. Integrated block 50 may include PV module 101, which may be coupled to power converter 204. In some embodiments, the converter 204 may be and/or include one or more components or devices described herein. For example, the converter 204 may be a DC/DC or DC/AC converter, configured to receive a DC input from module 101 and output a DC, time-varying-DC, or AC signal. Power converter 204 may include an isolated converter such as a Flyback or Forward converter (such as described herein), and in some embodiments may include a polarity adjustment circuit (such as described herein). Integrated block 50 may include circuits and devices discussed herein (e.g. bipolar compensator 307 e), such as communication device 350, sensor(s) 380, controller 371, MPPT device 398, safety device(s) 360, auxiliary power circuit 394, and/or common bus 390 (or one or more other bus components). Integrated block 50 may be packaged and deployed as a single unit. In some embodiments, a single integrated block 50 may be deployed in one or more of the PV strings to supply voltage-compensation functionality. In some embodiments, entire PV strings may comprise serially coupled integrated blocks. In some embodiments, integrated block 50 may feature a few terminals (e.g., two terminals), which may allow for fast and simple system installation, while obtaining the benefits of a sophisticated electronic system with minimal installation complexity. In some embodiments, integrated block 50 may be embedded onto a roof shingle, with electrical contacts placed to create serial electric connection between integrated blocks when shingles are placed next to one another.

Reference is now made to FIG. 14, which depicts an exemplary embodiment of a power device 700. PV power device 700 a may include some or all of the components of integrated block 50, and may be similarly arranged, with the exclusion of a power-generating PV module. Power device 700 a may include power converter 206. In some embodiments, the converter 206 may be and/or include one or more components or devices described herein. For example, the converter 206 may be a DC/DC or DC/AC converter, configured to receive a DC input from module 101 and output a DC, time-varying-DC, or AC signal. Power converter 206 may include an isolated converter such as a Flyback or Forward converter (such as described herein), and in some embodiments may include a polarity adjustment circuit (such as described herein).

According to some aspects, the power converter 204 and/or the power converter 206 may be the same as or may be similar to one another. According to some aspects, the power converter 204 and/or the power converter 206 may be the same as or similar to the compensation device 307 and/or to the power device 700. According to some aspects, the compensation device 307 and/or the power device 700 may be the same as or similar to the power converter 204 and/or the power converter 206.

Referring back to FIG. 14, power device 700 a may include circuits and devices discussed herein, such as circuits and devices discussed with regard to other embodiments and figures (e.g. bipolar compensator 307 e and/or integrated block 50) such as communication device 350, sensor(s) 380, controller 371, MPPT device 398, safety device(s) 360, auxiliary power circuit 394, and/or common bus 390 (or one or more other bus components). PV power device 700 a may include a pair of input terminals T1 and T2 configured to receive DC power from, for example, a photovoltaic module and/or another power source. In some embodiments, the power device may include terminals T3 and T4, configured to be serially coupled to similar power devices. In some embodiments, T3 and T4 are coupled at the time of manufacturing to conductors leading to similar power devices. By coupling a plurality of power devices at the time of manufacturing, using conductors of appropriate length to allow adjacently-coupled power devices to be coupled to adjacent PV modules when deployed in a solar installation, the plurality of power devices 6 can be quickly and efficiently deployed during installation. For example, if two adjacent photovoltaic modules are placed such that their junction boxes are 1.5 meters apart, each pair of PV power devices 6 may be coupled by a conductor approximately 1.5 meters long, with a plurality of such coupled devices forming a “chain” that can be rapidly coupled to all the PV modules in the string.

Reference is now made to FIG. 15, which shows an external view of an exemplary photovoltaic power device 70, which may be similar to the power devices described herein. PV power device 70 may comprise casing 231. Circuitry 230 (e.g., which may be any of the circuitry described or referred to herein, such as device 307, device 700, device 50, power converters, etc.) may be enclosed in casing 231 and may include all or some of the power devices described with regard to compensation circuits and/or PV power devices, such as a DC/DC and/or DC/AC converter, communication device(s), sensor(s), controller(s), MPPT device(s), safety device(s), auxiliary power circuit(s) and/or common bus(es). In some embodiments, casing 231 might not comprise a full enclosure. For example, casing 231 may comprise a lid-like surface designed to be placed on a PV module junction box and mechanically connected to the junction box, such that circuitry 230 mounted on the lid is electronically coupled to the PV module when the lid is fastened to the junction box. PV power device 70 may include input terminals 210 a and 210 b configured to receive power from one or more photovoltaic modules and transfer it to circuitry 230, and a pair of output conductors 220 a and 220 b configured to output power to the photovoltaic string. In accordance with exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, one of the input terminals may be internally (i.e. within casing 231) coupled to one of the output conductors, allowing current to flow directly from an input terminal to an output conductor while bypassing the power-processing devices of circuitry 230. The output conductors may be coupled to additional PV power devices similar to device 70, forming a chain of power devices, and may be of appropriate length to allow adjacent devices in the device chain to be coupled to adjacent modules in a photovoltaic installation.

Reference is now made to FIG. 16, which illustrates an aspect of an exemplary embodiment. A plurality of photovoltaic devices 8 may be coupled by output conductors 220, forming a chain of devices 8. Each PV device 8 may be any of, of similar function of, and/or of similar structure of one or more of the devices disclosed herein, such as device 307, device 700, device 50, power converters, etc. Output conductors 220 may each be of appropriate length to allow adjacent devices 8 in the device to be coupled to adjacent modules in a photovoltaic installation. The chain of devices may be efficiently and effectively stored. For example, the chain of devices 8 and output conductors 220 may be wound around storage device 401, which may resemble a cabling reel, allowing the storage device to be rolled along a plurality of PV modules while coupling devices from the chain to the modules.

The indefinite articles “a”, “an” is used herein, such as “a string”, “a voltage-compensation circuit” have the meaning of “one or more” that is “one or more strings” or “one or more voltage-compensation circuits”.

It is noted that various connections are set forth between elements herein. These connections are described in general and, unless specified otherwise, may be direct or indirect; this specification is not intended to be limiting in this respect. Further, elements of one embodiment may be combined with elements from other embodiments in appropriate combinations or subcombinations.

Although selected features of the present invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood the present invention is not limited to the described features. Instead, it is to be appreciated that changes may be made to these features without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: coupling a first input of a power converter to a first output of a first photovoltaic module; directly connecting the first input of the power converter to an output of the power converter via a direct bypass path; dividing a current output by the first photovoltaic module into: a first current that flows from the first input of the power converter to the output of the power converter via the power converter, and a second current that flows directly from the first input of the power converter to the output of the power converter via the direct bypass path; and directly connecting a second input of the power converter to a second output of a second photovoltaic module, wherein the first photovoltaic module is connected to the second photovoltaic module.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: configuring the power converter to draw power output by at least the first photovoltaic module and to output a voltage to control an operating point of at least the first photovoltaic module.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein controlling an operating point of the first photovoltaic module comprises: controlling a maximum output power of the first photovoltaic module.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein coupling the first input of the power converter comprises: coupling an input of a direct current (DC)/DC power converter, wherein the input of the DC/DC power converter is electrically isolated from an output of the DC/DC power converter.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the second photovoltaic module comprises a plurality of solar panels connected in series.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: coupling the output of the power converter and the output of an additional plurality of photovoltaic modules to a power bus.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: converting a direct current (DC) input to an alternating current (AC) output.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the second current flow is greater than the first current flow.
 9. A system comprising: at least one photovoltaic string comprising a first photovoltaic module connected in series to a second photovoltaic module; a power device comprising input terminals configured to be connected to output terminals of the first photovoltaic module; and a direct bypass path configured to directly connect a first input terminal of the input terminals and an output terminal of the power device, wherein the power device is configured to: direct a first current flow from the first input terminal of the input terminals to the output terminal via the power device; and direct a second current flow from the first input terminal to the output terminal via the direct bypass path, and wherein a second input terminal of the input terminals is configured to be directly connected to an output terminal of the second photovoltaic module via a direct path.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the power device comprises: an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) converter, wherein the AC to DC converter includes an input connected to a source of power, and wherein the AC to DC converter includes an output configured to provide an output voltage.
 11. The system of claim 9, wherein the power device comprises: a direct current (DC) to DC converter, wherein the DC to DC converter comprises an input connected to a source of power, and wherein the DC to DC converter includes an output configured to provide an output voltage.
 12. The system of claim 9, wherein the power device comprises: a polarity adjustment circuit comprising one or more switches, wherein an input of the polarity adjustment circuit is coupled to the output of the at least one converter, wherein the polarity adjustment circuit is operable to invert a voltage received at the input of the polarity adjustment circuit and is operable to output an adjustable compensation voltage.
 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the source of power is provided by at least one of the following: a separate power source from the at least one photovoltaic string, an AC power grid, the at least one photovoltaic string, and an adjustable compensation voltage source.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the source of power is provided by at least one of the following: a separate power source from the at least one photovoltaic string, an AC power grid, the at least one photovoltaic string, and an adjustable compensation voltage source.
 15. The system of claim 9, further comprising: a sensor configured to detect at least one parameter associated with the at least one photovoltaic string, wherein the power device is configured to adjust a compensation voltage based on the at least one detected parameter.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the at least one detected parameter includes a current of the at least one photovoltaic string.
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the at least one detected parameter includes a voltage of the at least one photovoltaic string.
 18. The system of claim 9, wherein the second current flow is greater than the first current flow.
 19. An apparatus comprising: an output terminal; a first input terminal, of a plurality of input terminals, configured to be connected to a first output terminal of a first photovoltaic module; a direct bypass path configured to directly connect the input terminal, of the plurality of input terminals, and the output terminal; and a direct path configured to directly connect a second input terminal of the plurality of input terminals to a second output terminal of a second photovoltaic module, wherein the first photovoltaic module is connected to the second photovoltaic module, wherein the apparatus is configured to: direct a first current flow from the first input terminal to the output terminal via at least one power converter; and direct a second current flow from the first input terminal to the output terminal via the direct bypass path.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the second current flow is greater than the first current flow. 